ARE Rolling Clock
Posted by JoeVare, 18 March 2005

There are nine divisions in the Architectural Registration Exam taken in the US and Canada, sponsored by NCARB (the National Council of Architectural Boards). It is a standardized test, taken via computer at private test centers across the country. Tests can be scheduled at your convenience after you are eligible, if you fail a test you can retake it after six months. On average, tests cost around $100 (US). The current rules allow candidates to schedule the tests around their work, to approach them methodically and reasonably. Starting January 1, 2006 all that changes.

NCARB is instituting a "rolling clock" that requires candidates to complete all nine sections within a five year window. This means that if you take and pass your first test on Jan 1, 2006 you will have to complete the other eight tests by December 31, 2010. If you do not, you will have to retake any tests that you have already passed that fall outside that window.

The effect of this new policy will not increase any candidate's enthusiasm to take the test. The policy will force people to rush through the tests on the fear that they will have to retake something they studied for five years ago. When starting the tests you will have to think immediately what happens if you fail, how much longer you have before you are penalized, how many more six month periods remain in your window. NCARB is treating this more like a tv game show than a professional licensing exam. Do they imagine that if you pass a test that you forget everything within a five year period, and if so why don't they re-test all licensed architects every five years?

Learn more at NCARB's site